Leather art connects past and present

Its forms include relief and openwork, the latter featuring patterns or designs being created by cutting, piercing or carving away parts of the material to create intricate, lacelike effects that allow light to pass through.

"It demands high-quality leather materials, which have to be meticulously selected, such as thick cowhide with fine pores," Jia says.

The hide will first be moistened to make it softer and more flexible.

The process then begins with drawing the design on paper, which is then applied to the hide for further processing.

Skillful carving will ensue, giving rise to vivid shapes coming out of the hide.

"It must be slow and precise to avoid any errors," Jia says.

After the carving is complete, the leather is dyed meticulously before other operations are added, such as assembling accessories and inlaying gemstones and mounting, transforming it all into a complete work of art.

"The crafting process is at the core of leather painting and a major test of an artisan's skill," Jia says.

He did hundreds of experiments to ensure the hide won't crack open when he tried inlaying leather painting with thangka elements.

"You also have to find the optimum ironing temperature to keep pearls and gemstones steadfastly stuck to the hide without burning it," he explains.

At the end of the day, good leather artwork should be visually dynamic, with clear layers and contrasts, smooth lines and rich colors, while the inlaying and stitching techniques should enhance the integration of color and relief, he adds.

Ever since Jia established his own leather painting business in 2003, he has been exploring ways of promoting the art and applying it to modern life.

To date, leather painting elements have made their way into daily items, including cushions, place mats, belts, brooches, earrings, wallets and phone cases, as well as bags and shoes.

This has enabled more people to understand and appreciate the beauty of leather painting.

His endeavors have also won recognition and support from the authorities.